Facebook launches Instant Games

Facebook has launched Instant Games, a cross-platform gaming experience that allows users to play games right in their Messenger chats. The games are based on HTML5 and require almost no loading time.

To start playing is quite simple. In the latest version of the Messenger app, you will see the game controller icon ‘just below where you type your message” in a chat with a friend or friends. There you can choose the game and start playing right away. In the game controller, you can also see scores and leaderboards.

“People can also discover games within the Messenger search field, or on Facebook News Feed where they can play solo or challenge friends back in Messenger,” Facebook writes in a blog.

At launch, there are 17 games available, including the ever-popular Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Words with Friends and more.

Instant Games are initially rolling out in 30 countries and are available for newer iOS and Android operating systems.